Biodiversity and ecosystems management

As the UN development agency, UNDP is proactively addressing biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation through a large portfolio of approximately 400 projects in over 130 countries with US$ 1.6 billion in funding, from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and other sources, and co-financing of US$ 5.1 billion. 

These national projects are supported by a range of cross-cutting global programmes including: biodiversity policy through the NBSAP Forum; finance through the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN); and capacity through the BES-Net Facility.

UNDP also implements the GEF Small Grants Programme and Equator Initiative.   

UNDP believes that biodiversity and healthy ecosystems are essential for improving and sustaining human wellbeing. They provide natural resources necessary for food production, water resources, ingredients for medicine, shelter, fuel and buffer natural disasters intensified by climate change. The rapid biodiversity losses we are now witnessing is diminishing the potential for sustainable development and undermining the very foundations of life on Earth.

UNDP Biodiversity and Ecosystems Global Framework from 2012-2020 to support countries in implementing the  Aichi Biodiversity Targets and advance the 2030 Agenda comprises of the following three signature programmes;

• Integrating biodiversity into development and fiscal planning and production sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, forestry, tourism and mining.
• Unlocking the potential of protected areas, including indigenous and community conserved areas.
• Managing and rehabilitating ecosystems for climate risk management, including ecosystem-based adaptation and mitigation.

This work includes BIOFIN as well as protected area financing support to countries to access diversified and long-term financing for addressing barriers to effective country action in managing biodiversity and ecosystem services.

We work together in partnership with governments; communities and civil society groups at all levels; the CBD  and  UNCCD; the  UNFCCC; the GEF and donor partners; sister UN agencies, the World Bank and development banks; research and science organizations; and the private sector.